Chief Administrative Officer

#CA-FT

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports directly to the Department Chair and is accountable to the Executive Assistant Dean. The CAO is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all departmental administrative and business functions, including financial management, clinical operations, human resources, education and residency programs, contracts and grants, business development, marketing, and strategic planning.
The CAO represents the department with internal and external partners, collaborates with School of Medicine and UC Davis Health leadership, and serves on committees supporting the mission of the department and the institution.

Apply By Date: December 21, 2025 at 11:59pm. Selection activities may start at any time.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in hospital administration, business administration, health administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in business or financial management, preferably in an academic healthcare setting.
• Experience in managing complex departmental operations, including financial account management, budgeting, HR, and strategic planning.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing external partnerships.
• Proven experience in faculty compensation design, academic financial operations, and clinical practice management.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and implementing strategic business plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively during organizational change.
• Excellent ability to collaborate with other senior management and executive-level staff, to develop and implement objectives, goals, budgets, strategic plans, policies, and priorities, and to measure and evaluate operations in conjunction with them.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in hospital administration, business administration, or health-related field.
• Extensive experience in business development within a clinical healthcare environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of health plan contracting and the California healthcare regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial analytics, benchmarking, and operational metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Financial Management
• 30% - Business Development and Financial Strategy
• 20% - Staff and Program Management

Department Overview

The Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery provide comprehensive clinical and surgical expertise across several subspecialties, including otology, rhinology, laryngology, head and neck oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric otolaryngology, and oral-maxillofacial surgery. The department also includes audiology and speech-language pathology services, the University Dental Associates (UDA), and an outpatient procedure suite.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position offers comprehensive leadership and oversight across clinical, academic, and research operations. It includes direct supervisory responsibility for 14 staff members and indirect oversight of approximately 80 clinic and operating room personnel through the Nurse Practice Manager, and 67 academic personnel.

Fiscal oversight includes annual operating revenue of about $18 million, overseeing $7.2 million in net reserves, supervising $1.25 million in gifts and endowments, and administering $2 million in grants and contracts. The role demands strategic financial planning to support program growth and sustainability.

Facilities oversight covers clinical and academic programs on Floors 4-7 of the Glassrock Building, research space within the Research II Building (~1,820 sq. ft.), and specialized laboratory operations at the Temporal Bone Laboratory in Aggie Square. This position ensures optimal resource utilization, safety compliance, and support for innovative research and education initiatives.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $9,283.33-$19,150.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 26
• UC Job Title: HEALTH SCIENCES ADM 1
• UC Job Code: 005634
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am - 5pm
• Location: Glassrock Building (HSP042)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks